Lean Enterprise : Pull Systems/Kanban

What are Pull Systems/Kanban?

Pull Systems/Kanban control the flow of resources in a production process by replacing only what has been consumed. They are customer order-driven production schedules based on actual demand and consumption rather than forecasting. Implementing Pull Systems can help you eliminate waste in han dling, storing, and delivering your product to the customers.

Benefits

Reduce overall inventory
Reduce work in process
Reduce order turnaround time
Increase customer satisfaction
Improve cash flow

Successes

A maker of fine table linens was able to slash its average order turnaround time from three weeks to three days using a Pull System. The changes elimi nated bottlenecks in production and increased responsiveness to customer needs.

A manufacturer of high-quality packaging machinery implemented a multifaceted Lean transformation. A Pull System was used to smooth the flow of Work-In-Process (WIP). The changes decreased WIP by 62% , and dramati cally increased the number of orders completed each day.

Pull Systems/Kanban - and other Lean techniques - were implemented by a manufacturer of custom fiberglass and vacuum form products. These chances increased productivity by 20 % , reduced inventory by 53%, decreased lead- time by 63 % , and far exceeded their targeted goals.